Romantic Novelists’ Association Awards At The 2012 Summer Party

With more than 50% of global book sales every year, romance is clearly essential reading for many. Since its inception in 1960, the Romantic Novelists’ Association (RNA) has brought writers and readers of romantic fiction together. In addition to offering a unique New Writer’s Scheme for unpublished authors, the RNA hosts a variety of conferences and meetings throughout the year. Their recent summer party saw the presentation of important awards in different categories to well-deserving winners.

Romantic Novel of the Year went to Jane Lovering for her debut novel Please Don’t Stop the Music. The panel of industry judges, Matt Bates (WHSmith), Sarah Broadhurst (The Bookseller), Alison Flood (Guardian.co.uk) Jane Mays (The Daily Mail), and Jonathan Ruppin (Foyles) said, “…Jane’s voice was fresh and new with an unexpected hero…” 

The book’s ‘dark undertones’ ‘engaged’ with issues ‘many people recognise’. Sky News anchor and novelist Kay Burley presented the award.Anne Ashurst, RNA Chairman said: “…what an achievement to become Romantic Novelist of the Year with one’s first novel for talent-spotting publishers Choc Lit!…”.

Jane Lovering lives in Yorkshire with her five children, and works part time as a science technician at Lady Lumley’s School.

Please Don’t Stop the Music is also the first novel from independent publisher Choc Lit¹ to be crowned Romantic Novel of the Year. The Romantic Novel of the Year Award was launched in 1960 to recognise excellence in romantic novels. Previous winners of this prestigious award include Freya North and 2011 winner Jojo Moyes.  

This year’s shortlist was compiled of category winners from the RONA annual awards that took place earlier this year. Jane Lovering, winner of the Romantic Comedy Novel award, saw off competition from Historical Romantic Novel award winner Christina Courtenay, Young Adult Romantic Novel award winner Caroline Green, Contemporary Romantic Novel award winner Katie Fforde and Epic Romantic Novel award winner Rosie Thomas.

Also presented was The Joan Hessayon New Writers’ Scheme Award, generously sponsored by Dr David Hessayon. Evonne Wareham collected a cheque and a silver trophy for Never Coming Home, incidentally also published by Choc Lit. In a record year of new publishing contracts, eight other contenders also received cheques.For many if not all of the night’s winners, it will be the recognition of their achievements that counts – monies awarded are icing on the cake.

So what makes a good romance writer?

Contrary to popular belief you don’t have to be a veteran of the romance circuit to pen a love story, however there are certain time enduring ingredients that readers expect to see in a compelling read. Readers need to be satisfied that the hero and heroine eventually overcome their obstacles and begin new lives together.

For a small fee, visit your local chapter meeting and talk to published authors who will answer your questions and give insight into the world of romance writing. Unpublished writers can join the RNA New Writer’s scheme from 2^nd January every year. Look out for joining instructions on the RNA’s website in mid December.   Since the summer party, awards winners have seen their books promoted on MSN’s home page. The RNA’s annual 3-day conference takes place in July at University of Cumbria, Penrith.

For more information and also the RNA 2012 calendar see www.rna-uk.org. 

¹ For Choc Lit see http://www.choc-lit.co.uk/